Reconstruction of the Cantonists’ Barracks Building, including the design of a new permanent exhibition arrangement

The concept for the redevelopment of the Cantonists’ Barracks is based on reopening the historic building towards the park and strengthening the museum’s relationship with the landscape of the Royal Łazienki Gardens. A key intervention is the reinstatement of the southern entrance and the transformation of the former paddock into a new museum forecourt - a place for meeting, rest and education, complemented by greenery, a small water feature and an outdoor canopy.

Within the building, the design seeks to reveal its historic character by reopening the windows, restoring the legibility of the original spatial layout and exposing original structural elements. The new functional arrangement reorganises the entrance zone, visitor facilities and exhibition spaces, while the introduction of a lift, level access and a range of wayfinding solutions ensures full accessibility.

The architecture, landscape design and new permanent exhibition form a coherent narrative centred on the relationship between people, nature and animals. As a result, the museum becomes an integral part of the park rather than a separate, enclosed institution.

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